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10 Unmissable Waterfalls in Jamaica You Won’t Find in Tourist Guides

Though Jamaica is now the land of reggae, colorful coastal towns, and laid-back beach vibes, it was early Indigenous peoples who first inhabited Jamaica. They’re known as the “Arawaks,” or sometimes “Tainos,” and named the island “Jamaica” from an Indigenous word meaning “land of wood and water.”

That name is quite fitting today because there are nearly 100 rivers and at least 50 waterfalls in Jamaica scattered across the Caribbean island’s mountainous interior.

However, most tourists stick to visiting well-known Dunn’s River Falls. It’s beautiful, but hundreds of tourists climb it daily, and it always feels a bit crowded. Fortunately, travelers can beat the crowds at these lesser-visited but equally unmissable waterfalls in Jamaica. Some are easy to find, while others will take travelers deep into the lush greenery and humble villages of the island’s interior. And pack accordingly in terms of water and snacks: there are very few concession stands at these stunning waterfalls.

Note that the hiking distances below are estimates, as there can be multiple trails to different areas of each waterfall, and the exact route may chance seasonally.

Penfield Falls

Photo: Rochelle Knight

Map: Penfield FallsSwimmable? YesHike to falls: .4 miles

Penfield Waterfall is in Gordon Town, a semi-rural district at the foot of the Blue Mountains near Kingston. This waterfall is three cascades that create three neat swimming pools. There’s a rope swing for jumping into the second pool, usually occupied by local children with no fear as they make impressive jumps into the water. An afternoon swim in the cold refreshing water at Penfield Falls is the perfect way to escape the heat of the city, especially as it’s only about half an hour from Kingston.

From the trailhead, take the trail to the left, which crosses two footbridges over the course of about a 15-minute walk.

Benta Falls

Photo: Rochelle Knight

Map: Benta FallsSwimmable? YesHike to falls: None

Benta Falls is on the verdant outskirts of the resort town of Negril. It’s where you’ll find not just one of the best waterfalls in Jamaica, but seven. All seven cascades flow under a canopy of tall bamboo stalks, ferns, coconut trees, and other tropical plants.

Visitors can swim and jump into the falls or take a nature walk winding along the river to admire the greenery and surroundings. Very little has been done to modify Benta Falls, and the few surrounding buildings and staircases are eco-friendly. That said, it’s still $20 per person to visit.

Falling Edge Falls

Photo: Rochelle Knight

Map: Falling Edge FallsSwimmable? YesHike to falls: .6 miles

In the semi-rural community of Stony Hill, Falling Edge Falls is another one of the waterfalls in Jamaica still somewhat unknown to most tourists. It’s on the outskirts of Kingston but in the opposite direction of Penfield Waterfall.

Falling Edge Falls is accessible via a short, gentle hike through a lush rainforest of ferns and other tropical plants. This area of Jamaica experiences a high level of annual rainfall, which means it can have a lot of mosquitos. Make sure you pack the repellent.

The hike starts off Airy Castle Road just behind the Bowden Hill Primary School. There’s usually a fee of around $5 to visit, which goes toward trail maintenance. Oh, and it’s also called “Bowden Hill Falls,” depending on who you ask.

Fish Done Falls

Photo: Rochelle Knight

Map: Fish Done FallsSwimmable? YesHike to falls: None

Fish Done Falls is next to the B1 road in the Blue Mountains. It’s the scenic, winding main road connecting the major towns of Kingston and Port Antonio, but it’s primarily one of Jamaica’s main cycling roads.

Fish Done is one of the prettiest waterfalls in Jamaica and is sometimes spelled as Fish Dunn Falls – and yes, there are some harmless fish scuttling around here and there in the deep blue water. You can swim here, but the water is a bit cold, and the falls can be strong, so use caution if you swim near or under the cascade. While there’s no hiking to get to the falls, there are lush surrounds that will remind you you’re deep into the island’s interior.

Mayfield Falls

Photo: Rochelle Knight

Map: Mayfield FallsSwimmable? YesHike to falls: Roughly 1 mile through the river

Another waterfall on the outskirts of Negril is Mayfield Falls. Mayfield Falls consists of 21 cascades on the Mayfield River, a tributary of the larger Cabarita River. Visitors need to cross a rustic bamboo footbridge to reach the falls, creating a beautiful photo backdrop.

Mayfield Falls is one of the few waterfalls in Jamaica on this list that does have a few amenities, including lockers, a small info stand where you can rent water shoes or hire a guide, and occasionally someone selling fresh fruit drinks. There’s also an entrance fee of $20 US.

This waterfall is both climbable and swimmable, and  if you hire a guide, you may even get treated to a complimentary foot massage or scrub with clay from the river banks. Mayfield Falls deserves a place in your next Jamaica itinerary if you’re anywhere remotely close.

Noisy River Falls

Photo: Rochelle Knight

Map: Noisy River FallsSwimmable? YesHike to falls: None

Noisy River Falls is in Manchester, one of Jamaica’s south-central parishes. Tourists seldom visit southern Jamaica, but these parishes are teeming with history, quaint towns, and secret swimming holes.

This waterfall is next to the B10 road in the remote district of Oxford. It gets crowded with locals on the weekend, and there are occasionally street parties taking place on the river on public holidays. While in the area, look at the old Oxford Bridge, built in 1869.

Nonsuch Falls

Photo: Rochelle Knight

Map: Nonsuch FallsSwimmable? YesHike to falls: 5 miles (to bottom)

Okay, this is one of the few waterfalls in Jamaica you may find listed here and there in guidebooks, but for good reason: Nonsuch Falls is Jamaica’s tallest waterfall at 290 feet high.

It’s an adventurous hike to reach the falls as it’s in the thick Portland jungle near Jamaica’s north coast. A shorter trail leads to the top, but you can only appreciate the full grandeur of this waterfall from its base.

On the hike, travelers will usually spot endemic Jamaican birds, and if you go with a guide, expect to learn about the area’s rich Maroon and natural history. The Maroon people are proud descendants of runaway enslaved Africans who have lived in the rugged mountains for more than 300 years. Going to the bottom of the falls is only possible on a guided tour, which costs about $45 per person and should be booked online in advance.

Reach Falls

Photo: Rochelle Knight

Map: Reach FallsSwimmable? YesHike to falls: None

Reach Falls is in the montane forest of the Blue and John Crow Mountains in east Portland. It’s fed by the nearby Drivers River and is wider than it is tall. There are numerous swimming spots and underwater caverns at this waterfall, including a popular spot upstream known as the Rabbit Hole. You can also stand behind or under the main waterfall as it’s not too powerful.

There’s no hike to get to Reach Falls – only a staircase from the parking lot to the falls, winding through lush vegetation (and a $10 entrance fee). While there, it’s sometimes possible to spot wild boars charging through the hills if you’re lucky. Related: it’s said that this is also where Jamaica’s jerk style of cooking, often made with pork, originated.

Milbank Falls

Photo: Rochelle Knight

Map: Millbank FallsSwimmable? YesHike to falls: 3 miles

The falls in Millbank are the most remote waterfalls on this list and possibly in all of Jamaica.

Millbank is one of the secluded Maroon villages deep in the Upper Rio Grande Valley near Portland. This section of the Rio Grande river has twelve waterfalls, many of which are at least an hour’s hike apart and visited almost exclusively by Millbank residents and, occasionally, very adventurous tourists. You’ll probably want to find a guide online in advance since the hike is rather uphill and not always well marked. (I’ve used On the Edge Adventure Tours.)

Millbank is a great spot for birdwatching and you’ll likely pass places to try new tropical fruits (such as Otaheite apples) that grow wild on this side of Jamaica. Millbank is a beautiful part of the island, containing one of Jamaica’s last remaining untouched rainforests.

Cascade Falls

Photo: Rochelle Knight

Map: Cascade FallsSwimmable? NoHike to falls: .8 miles

There’s no false advertising with the name of this community. The village of Cascade is home to numerous waterfalls, several of which are visible from the B1 road. The largest waterfall, also known as One Drop Waterfall, is 100 feet tall and accessible via a 20-minute hike from the main road. 

Alternatively, you can also reach Cascade Falls via the nature trail from the nearby Holywell mountain park. And if you get hungry, no problem: you’ll find temperate fruits such as peaches and strawberries growing wild at this higher altitude.

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This Detailed Look at Every Button in a Plane’s Cockpit Will Make You Appreciate Pilots Even More

If you’re a frequent flyer, you may have caught a glance at the cockpit as you board or deplane. The whole thing looks intimidating, with so many lights, buttons, levers, and knobs. It’s no wonder that it takes 1,500 hours of flying to become an airline pilot. Animagraffs, a Youtube creator that makes explainer videos, did a deep dive into every detail of a flight deck.

The flight deck seats have a five-strap harness, and the seat and armrests move in several different directions. From the outside armrest, pilots have their sidestick, which looks like the gearshift on a car, that has autopilot and intercom controls for the pilot to make announcements over the loudspeaker. For steering, pilots use tablets, overhead displays, a tiller, and rudder pedals to navigate and keep the plane in the upright position and brake.

The control panels are made up of the left inboard module, right inboard module, and lights overhead module, which have warning lights kind of like when your check engine light is on — except, in this case, the plane is equipped with tools to fix itself, like fire extinguishers in case of a fire. The glare shield gives the pilot ample information about what’s going on, like the status of fuel systems, radars, and terrain information. It has a nonverbal way of communicating with air traffic controllers. The landing gear level has automated braking systems that can be overridden if necessary.

It’s a lot of information to take in, to say the least. But with America in the middle of a severe pilot shortage, people know know how to operate a commercial plane are needed now more than ever.

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These 12 Hotels Make Their Own Alcohol, and It’s Better Than Anything Else at the Hotel Bar

The allure of finding something you won’t back home — whether it’s a place, food, or experience — is one of the biggest draws of travel. And as the world of craft spirits, beers, and wine has exploded over the past decade, finding a drink with a sense of place has become as much a part of a trip as a signature hike or delicious meal. Hotels understand this, and many have started producing their own beverages that are as distinct as the restaurants and décor.

From tropical beers in the Caribbean to gin off the coast of Cape Cod, here’s a dozen hotels making alcohol you won’t find anywhere else.

Esmé Miami Beach Hotel in Miami Beach, Florida

You may be a little confused when you belly up to the El Salon bar at Miami Beach’s Esme hotel. Instead of the usual collection of spirits you know and love, you’ll instead see a collection of El Salon-labeled bottles of uniform shape and size. That’s because El Salon blends all its own spirits, from vodka to Scotch to gin. You’ll find three varieties of each – Traditional, Versatile, and Extraordinary – with tasting notes to guide you along the way. You can also take a spirit blending class from head bartender Dave Simmons, who’ll explain how you, too, can have your own private label bar at home.

Corazon Cabo in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Photo: Rooftop 360

Los Cabos has a growing food and drink scene. The region might not have many micro breweries, but the one it does have has one of the most stunning views (and delicious beers) in the world. Baja Brewing, set atop the Corazon Cabo Resort and Spa, has a panoramic view over the iconic coast of Cabo and serves up a collection of beers like the Cabotella blonde ale and Peyote IPA. The pizza pairing is superb as well, as Baja Brewing’s pizza crusts are made with spent barley, yeast, and beer.

RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain in Lincoln, New Hampshire

There’s nothing quite like stepping off a long day on the slopes and relaxing with a flight of made-on-site wines. You might expect this kind of experience in places like Lake Tahoe or the Chilean Andes, but it’s actually in New Hampshire at the base of Loon Mountain at the RiverWalk Resort. Seven Birches Winery makes all its wine just off the main lobby, where guests can stop in for an apres ski wine tasting or try their hand at making wine themselves with private tours and classes with the winemaker.

Lovango Resort in St. John, USVI

Photo: Nicole Canegata

While building the Lovango Resort, the hotel’s owners crossed paths with Mutiny Island Vodka founder Todd Manely, who showed them how to make spirits from the breadfruit tree. They became enamored with the concept, and the result is the USVI’s only resort-specific liquors from Lovango’s Little Gems Spirits. The distillery goes beyond simply making vodka from the breadfruit tree, though, and visitors can enjoy its exclusive Caribbean Spice Whiskey and Sweet Tamarind Rum alongside the flagship Sorrel Lime Vodka.

Harrah’s Resort Southern California in Funner, California

The town of Funner, California, lives up to its name at the Harrah’s resort. In addition to a 400-foot lazy river, the property has SoCal’s only tribal-owned craft brewery, Rincon Reservation Road. The Rincon tribe’s beer maker offers seven different creations, including the Pikwla ‘Berry’ raspberry saison, and the Tropical Oasis — a 4.2 percent blonde ale packed with peach, passionfruit, strawberry, and orange that’s especially refreshing after a couple hours on the lazy river.

Carmel Valley Ranch in Carmel Valley, California

Photo: Carmel Valley Ranch

The dry, warm microclimate of the Carmel Valley makes it one of the best grape growing regions in California. The Carmel Valley Ranch takes full advantage of its fortunate location with a 3.5-acre vineyard onsite that feeds the hotel’s Swing Wine brand. The hotel teamed with San Francisco Chronicle 2018 Winemaker of the Year Ian Brand to create a special line of wines available only on property, with options ranging from pinot noir to sauvignon blanc to rosé.

Pinehurst Hotel and Resort in Pinehurst, North Carolina

Everyone loves a good restored steam plant brought back to life as a full service craft brewery. Even better when it’s attached to a grand golf resort in the hills of North Carolina. That’s the scene at Pinehurst, where the 1895 steam plant that once powered the village was transformed into Pinehurst Brewing. The old boiler room’s charred brick walls remain standing and old valves now serve as table legs, where you can relax with a signature 1895 lager or Hop Cluster Hazy IPA after a long day on the links.

Chatham Bars Inn in Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Photo: Chatham Bars Inn

Typically, one wouldn’t think the salty water off Cape Cod would make for an appetizing alcohol ingredient. But the Chatham Bars Inn teamed up with Estancia Gin to scour the beaches near the hotel for fresh sea salt, then use it to dilute the gin off the still. Combined with local botanicals, juniper, and Italian citrus, the gin has a slight salinity to it that lends itself well to a dirty martini. The Inn Gin also pairs well with Chatham oysters, giving the spirit a unique sense of place.

Four Seasons Orlando in Orlando, Florida

Four Seasons Orlando’s Executive Chef Fabrizio Shenardi isn’t satisfied to simply master the menus at the hotel’s onsite restaurant, Ravello. In his spare time, he also crafts traditional Italian limoncello, made with fresh lemons, Everclear, sugar, and imported Italian water. The chef has an entire storage room devoted to crafting this and other liqueurs, including strawberry-infused fragolino, basil liqueur, chocolatey bicerin, and a milk-and-lemon crema di limoncello.

Alaia Beliza in San Pedro, Belize

Photo: Alaia Belize

The first Marriott in Belize is not a simple spot for an airport stopover. This Autograph Collection property also houses the coolest hotel bar in the country, where head bartender Subhash Sankar puts on a full mixology show filled with glass towers, liquid nitrogen, and drinks that change color. A big part of the draw is also the collections of spirits he makes himself, taking ingredients from Alaia’s onsite greenhouse and distilling bitters, syrups, and liqueurs that replace the traditional Amaretto and Bailey’s.

Jade Mountain and Anse Chastanet in St. Lucia

In addition to the jaw-dropping views of the Pitons from its three-walled rooms, Jade Mountain also offers beer made with volcanic spring water. The hotel, along with its sister property Anse Chastanet, partnered with the Antillia Brewing Company to install onsite brewing equipment. The result is Emerald Estate brewers, which makes beers using ingredients native to St. Lucia. Ultimately, the brewers are trying to replace European-sourced malts with tropical fruits to create a beer made with all-Caribbean ingredients. But for now the first offerings are the Soursop Ale made with fruit from the island, and the Bois Bande Stout brewed with the bark of a local tree rumored to be an aphrodisiac.

JW Marriott Grand Rapids in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Not to besmirch the whiskey-making prowess of the great state of Michigan, but when the JW Marriott’s Women and Whiskey program decided to make its own blend for the hotel, they knew it had to come from Kentucky. So they traveled to the Maker’s Mark distillery to make a complex proprietary blend, then aged it in a special barrel onsite. The result is a whiskey with notes of black cherry cola that you can find in cocktails at the hotel’s restaurant Margaux. The barrel itself is also part of the hotel’s décor, proudly on display for your selfie-taking enjoyment.

These 12 Hotels Make Their Own Alcohol, and Its Better Than Anything Else at the Hotel Bar

The allure of finding something you won’t back home — whether it’s a place, food, or experience — is one of the biggest draws of travel. And as the world of craft spirits, beers, and wine has exploded over the past decade, finding a drink with a sense of place has become as much a part of a trip as a signature hike or delicious meal. Hotels understand this, and many have started producing their own beverages that are as distinct as the restaurants and décor.

From tropical beers in the Caribbean to gin off the coast of Cape Cod, here’s a dozen hotels making alcohol you won’t find anywhere else.

Esmé Miami Beach Hotel in Miami Beach, Florida

You may be a little confused when you belly up to the El Salon bar at Miami Beach’s Esme hotel. Instead of the usual collection of spirits you know and love, you’ll instead see a collection of El Salon-labeled bottles of uniform shape and size. That’s because El Salon blends all its own spirits, from vodka to Scotch to gin. You’ll find three varieties of each – Traditional, Versatile, and Extraordinary – with tasting notes to guide you along the way. You can also take a spirit blending class from head bartender Dave Simmons, who’ll explain how you, too, can have your own private label bar at home.

Corazon Cabo in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Photo: Rooftop 360

Los Cabos has a growing food and drink scene. The region might not have many micro breweries, but the one it does have has one of the most stunning views (and delicious beers) in the world. Baja Brewing, set atop the Corazon Cabo Resort and Spa, has a panoramic view over the iconic coast of Cabo and serves up a collection of beers like the Cabotella blonde ale and Peyote IPA. The pizza pairing is superb as well, as Baja Brewing’s pizza crusts are made with spent barley, yeast, and beer.

RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain in Lincoln, New Hampshire

There’s nothing quite like stepping off a long day on the slopes and relaxing with a flight of made-on-site wines. You might expect this kind of experience in places like Lake Tahoe or the Chilean Andes, but it’s actually in New Hampshire at the base of Loon Mountain at the RiverWalk Resort. Seven Birches Winery makes all its wine just off the main lobby, where guests can stop in for an apres ski wine tasting or try their hand at making wine themselves with private tours and classes with the winemaker.

Lovango Resort in St. John, USVI

Photo: Nicole Canegata

While building the Lovango Resort, the hotel’s owners crossed paths with Mutiny Island Vodka founder Todd Manely, who showed them how to make spirits from the breadfruit tree. They became enamored with the concept, and the result is the USVI’s only resort-specific liquors from Lovango’s Little Gems Spirits. The distillery goes beyond simply making vodka from the breadfruit tree, though, and visitors can enjoy its exclusive Caribbean Spice Whiskey and Sweet Tamarind Rum alongside the flagship Sorrel Lime Vodka.

Harrah’s Resort Southern California in Funner, California

The town of Funner, California, lives up to its name at the Harrah’s resort. In addition to a 400-foot lazy river, the property has SoCal’s only tribal-owned craft brewery, Rincon Reservation Road. The Rincon tribe’s beer maker offers seven different creations, including the Pikwla ‘Berry’ raspberry saison, and the Tropical Oasis — a 4.2 percent blonde ale packed with peach, passionfruit, strawberry, and orange that’s especially refreshing after a couple hours on the lazy river.

Carmel Valley Ranch in Carmel Valley, California

Photo: Carmel Valley Ranch

The dry, warm microclimate of the Carmel Valley makes it one of the best grape growing regions in California. The Carmel Valley Ranch takes full advantage of its fortunate location with a 3.5-acre vineyard onsite that feeds the hotel’s Swing Wine brand. The hotel teamed with San Francisco Chronicle 2018 Winemaker of the Year Ian Brand to create a special line of wines available only on property, with options ranging from pinot noir to sauvignon blanc to rosé.

Pinehurst Hotel and Resort in Pinehurst, North Carolina

Everyone loves a good restored steam plant brought back to life as a full service craft brewery. Even better when it’s attached to a grand golf resort in the hills of North Carolina. That’s the scene at Pinehurst, where the 1895 steam plant that once powered the village was transformed into Pinehurst Brewing. The old boiler room’s charred brick walls remain standing and old valves now serve as table legs, where you can relax with a signature 1895 lager or Hop Cluster Hazy IPA after a long day on the links.

Chatham Bars Inn in Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Photo: Chatham Bars Inn

Typically, one wouldn’t think the salty water off Cape Cod would make for an appetizing alcohol ingredient. But the Chatham Bars Inn teamed up with Estancia Gin to scour the beaches near the hotel for fresh sea salt, then use it to dilute the gin off the still. Combined with local botanicals, juniper, and Italian citrus, the gin has a slight salinity to it that lends itself well to a dirty martini. The Inn Gin also pairs well with Chatham oysters, giving the spirit a unique sense of place.

Four Seasons Orlando in Orlando, Florida

Four Seasons Orlando’s Executive Chef Fabrizio Shenardi isn’t satisfied to simply master the menus at the hotel’s onsite restaurant, Ravello. In his spare time, he also crafts traditional Italian limoncello, made with fresh lemons, Everclear, sugar, and imported Italian water. The chef has an entire storage room devoted to crafting this and other liqueurs, including strawberry-infused fragolino, basil liqueur, chocolatey bicerin, and a milk-and-lemon crema di limoncello.

Alaia Beliza in San Pedro, Belize

Photo: Alaia Belize

The first Marriott in Belize is not a simple spot for an airport stopover. This Autograph Collection property also houses the coolest hotel bar in the country, where head bartender Subhash Sankar puts on a full mixology show filled with glass towers, liquid nitrogen, and drinks that change color. A big part of the draw is also the collections of spirits he makes himself, taking ingredients from Alaia’s onsite greenhouse and distilling bitters, syrups, and liqueurs that replace the traditional Amaretto and Bailey’s.

Jade Mountain and Anse Chastanet in St. Lucia

In addition to the jaw-dropping views of the Pitons from its three-walled rooms, Jade Mountain also offers beer made with volcanic spring water. The hotel, along with its sister property Anse Chastanet, partnered with the Antillia Brewing Company to install onsite brewing equipment. The result is Emerald Estate brewers, which makes beers using ingredients native to St. Lucia. Ultimately, the brewers are trying to replace European-sourced malts with tropical fruits to create a beer made with all-Caribbean ingredients. But for now the first offerings are the Soursop Ale made with fruit from the island, and the Bois Bande Stout brewed with the bark of a local tree rumored to be an aphrodisiac.

JW Marriott Grand Rapids in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Not to besmirch the whiskey-making prowess of the great state of Michigan, but when the JW Marriott’s Women and Whiskey program decided to make its own blend for the hotel, they knew it had to come from Kentucky. So they traveled to the Maker’s Mark distillery to make a complex proprietary blend, then aged it in a special barrel onsite. The result is a whiskey with notes of black cherry cola that you can find in cocktails at the hotel’s restaurant Margaux. The barrel itself is also part of the hotel’s décor, proudly on display for your selfie-taking enjoyment.

The 7 Best Places in the World To Go Sandboarding

I’ve always wanted to surf, but my immense fear of drowning has been enough to keep me from taking the plunge.

So the next best thing, it seems, is sandboarding. It replaces towering waves with imposing sand dunes, wetsuits with shorts and t-shirts, and surfboards with sandboards. Sandboarding requires a great deal of practice, and like with surfing, you should expect to take a more than a few tumbles while you’re learning (and may get some nasty sand-burn on your knees and elbows). Still, it’s better than running into a great white shark.

Even if you fall (multiple times), it’s worth the adrenaline rush of tearing down a steep sand slope surrounded by miles of desert. The trick, however, is finding the right dune. From Colorado to Australia, these are the seven best places in the world to go sandboarding.

Great Sea of Sand, Siwa, Egypt

Photo: sutadi anang yahya/Shutterstock

When it comes to sandboarding, you should probably have pretty high expectations of a place called the “Great Sand Sea.” Luckily, you wouldn’t be let down. The Great Sand Sea is a 28,000-square-mile desert between western Egypt and eastern Libya, and unsurprisingly, has some of the best sandboarding in the world. Many of the dunes around Siwa exceed 500 feet in height with angles of at least 70 degrees.

Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado

Photo: Andrew Repp/Shutterstock

Colorado’s southerly sand dunes are often overlooked in favor of the state’s more famous national park attraction: the Rocky Mountains. But to forget Great Sand Dunes National Park is to forget one of Colorado’s most beautiful landscapes — and best places for sandboarding.

Home to the tallest sand dunes in North America, the park is about a four-hour drive from Denver and has terrain perfect for riders of all experience levels. The “Star Dune,” for example, is 750 feet high and offers one of the most thrilling rides you can imagine. There’s also an outdoor swimming pool in the nearby town of Hooper where you can take a much-needed dip after a long sandboarding sesh.

Swakopmund, Namibia

Photo: Piet05/Shutterstock

The desert surrounding the coastal city of Swakopmund has some of the best sandboarding in the world. There are several different tour companies offering transport from local hotels to the desert; tours come with all the equipment you’ll need and instruction for sandboarding in the often-extreme heat.

If you’re going it alone, start small and work your way up to the taller, steeper slopes. Seek out “Little Nellie,” then “Birgit Run,” and conclude with “Lizze” – a dune you can sandboard at speeds of 40 miles per hour.

Huacachina, Peru

Photo: MarinaTP/Shutterstock

Peru’s Inca Desert is the Sahara of South America. Home to some of the tallest sand dunes in the world, the desert is perfect for off-roading, night-sky viewing, camping, and, of course, sandboarding.

The small village of Huacachina, centered around a lagoon, is the perfect base for your sandboarding excursion as it sits at the base of some of the desert’s steepest dunes. From the top of the dunes, you’ll have a perfect view of the lagoon, which makes for a particularly stunning sight around sunset. Huacachina has hosted the  Sandboard World Cup multiple times, so time your visit with the event if you want to be inspired by the pros.

Kangaroo Island, Australia

Photo: sasimoto/Shutterstock

Kangaroo Island in Australia is covered in dunes, but the most popular for sandboarding is known as “Little Sahara.” it covers 500 acres, so you can probably guess that that includes quite a few epic dunes. The highest spot in the sand dune system is 230 feet, and at the top, you’ll have sweeping views of the island’s nature reserves. The Kangaroo Island dunes have been a heritage site in Australia since the 1970s, meaning they’re incredibly well preserved. There’s also an abundance of wildlife on the island you might be lucky enough to glimpse, including sea lions, koalas, and a wide range of bird species.

Giant Sand Dunes in the Te Paki Recreation Reserve, New Zealand

Photo: Thomas Hagenau/Shutterstock

New Zealand truly has some of the most diverse geography on the planet, so no surprise that it has fabulous sand dunes. Five hours north of Auckland on the North Island, Te Paki Recreation Reserve is full of hiking trails, picnic areas, campgrounds, bird watching opportunities, and sand dunes, some of which are 460 feet above sea level. Te Paki used to be an entirely separate landmass from the rest of New Zealand, and it shows, with the landscape becoming more rugged, dramatic, and primal once you enter the reserve. You can rent boards near the entrance to the dunes, but they’ll be a bit cheaper if you rent them in the nearby town of Waitiki Landing, instead.

Atacama Desert, Chile

Photo: Publio Furbino/Shutterstock

The Atacama Desert is a place of superlatives. It’s the driest desert on Earth and home to some of the best sandboarding in the world. Death Valley, just a few miles from San Pedro de Atacama, might sound frightening, but you’ll never feel more alive than when you’re sandboarding down its 400-foot-tall dunes while taking in the desert views.

Death Valley is also known as the “Valley of Mars” due to its otherworldly red rock formations. To see them, check out the “Valley of the Moon” trail, which goes by many of the most impressive rock features. Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon) and Valle de la Muerta (Valley of Death) are only a short drive from one another, so it’s easy to check out all the wild geological formations in one trip.

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This Scenic and Quiet Hippy Surf Town Is the Perfect Getaway From San Francisco

Less than an hour from San Francisco, California, lies a four-mile long sliver of coastline sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the coastal mountains. Stinson Beach has a lengthy, soft sand beach and a low-key town center with little more than the essentials: a post office, grocery, two restaurants, and a handful of stores. At low tide, the Bolinas Lagoon at the town’s far end welcomes hundreds of harbor seals and thousands of birds. The friendly village vibe, abundant wildlife, trail-filled foothills, and vast, dune-backed beach feel a world away — making a weekend at Stinson Beach a refreshing break from urban living.

Where is Stinson Beach and how to get there from San Francisco?

As you cross the Golden Gate Bridge north of San Francisco, you’ll see the Marin Headlands, where the North Coast Range begins. You’ll exit to 101 North at the Mill Valley/Stinson Beach exit and follow signs that will take you up and over these mountains. Whether you take the road along the coast or through the interior, the path involves lots of winding turns that scare car sickness-prone people away from even visiting Stinson. (Just keep your eyes on the road and you’ll be fine). You’ll arrive in Stinson about thirty minutes after you’ve exited the 101 North — unless you’ve left late on a sunny weekend. Depart San Francisco before 10:00 AM to avoid bad traffic. While arriving by car is much easier, the Marin Transit bus does provide service from Sausalito or Mill Valley into Stinson Beach and Bolinas.

Stinson Beach weather

Stinson Beach is often socked in, a result of hot air inland pulling up cold air from the chilly Pacific Ocean. But the blanket of fog and the beach’s grassy dunes lend a meditative air to the place. The nicest days are often in spring and fall, when inland temperatures are lower and hence don’t tug up the cold fog from the ocean. June is usually sunny, but climate change may alter that in favor of fog. Pleasant weather can last even into November, depending on the year; a Thanksgiving weekend could call for down jackets or for surfing. If it’s foggy in the summer, sometimes both the north end of the beach and Bolinas across the channel are sunnier, due to the topography.

What to do in Stinson BeachHiking the Coast Range Mountains

Photo: Jasdeep Gill/Shutterstock

The mountains that keep Stinson Beach feeling so remote are full of evergreens that disguise several spectacular trails. On the forest drive into Stinson, several trails depart from the Bootjack and Pantoll campground parking areas. One of these is the Old Stage Road that takes you up to the West Point Inn, an off-the-grid lodge at 1,800 feet with spectacular SF Bay and city views. Keep going and you’ll eventually arrive at the 2,570-foot peak of Mount Tamalpais.

You can also access plenty of trails from town. The Steep Ravine Trail starts behind the fire station, taking you uphill a mile and half — maneuvering a wooden ladder at one point — to the Pantoll Ridge. You could head right back down, or descend instead on Old Mine Trail and then take the Dipsea Trail into town. The entirety of the Dipsea Trail runs 7.5 miles from Stinson to Mill Valley, so stay on the Stinson side and enjoy the ocean views. In fact, “The Dipsea” is an annual race where runners edge past each other on steep, narrow, root-rutted paths. The century-old race is perilous, so be happy you’re just hiking it.

To avoid a poison oak rash, hike with long pants and socks. If not, wash your legs afterwards with cold water and dish soap or Tecnu, both of which can remove the poison oak oils before they get into your pores.

Visiting a great National Park Service

Photo: topseller/Shutterstock

On the way to Stinson Beach, you’ll pass signs to Muir Woods National Monument, a magical forest of varied trees and stunning old growth redwoods whose size you have to see to grasp. Some of the redwoods, which are well over 200 feet in height, are more than a thousand years old — and they have another thousand years to grow. When you arrive, ask about guided ranger tours, which are held often. The park is open every day, and reservations are always required. On your way back to Stinson after visiting Muir Woods, grab a beverage at the Pelican Inn, an Old World pub that looks like it was transported straight from the British Isles.

Thirty minutes north of Stinson Beach, Point Reyes National Seashore is another great spot for hiking and wildlife-watching. Tule elk and snowy plovers are among the resident animal species. Elephant seals often relax on the beach, while whales migrate just offshore. The park contains 80 miles of coastline, with memorable locations like Alamere Falls, which gushes straight into the sand, four large beaches, and the Point Reyes Lighthouse — the latter of which is only reached via a narrow staircase down a very long ridge. If you head to Point Reyes for some hiking or beaching, pick up savory sandwiches at the Inverness Park Market on your way in.

Going to the beach

Photo: Jchannell/Shutterstock

Naturally, the main draw is the 3.5-mile-long Stinson Beach itself, which you access via a parking lot by the town center. You can only reach the opposite end of the beach, next to the channel into the Bolinas Lagoon, by walking the three-plus miles to get there — unless you own a home, or know someone who does, in the gated Seadrift area. On the beach, you can look out at distant San Francisco and the Farallon Islands across the water, weather permitting.

Surfing at Stinson Beach

Surfing is big here, even if the waves in Stinson are rarely epic, and the Live Water Surf Shop will fill any surfboard and wetsuit rental needs. You can sign up for lessons via Live Water as well. Summertime swells tend to be weak all along the coast, but they improve in the fall, when you can find clean, longboard-friendly left-handers at The Patch surf break in Bolinas. Rent gear or arrange lessons at the Bolinas 2 Mile Surf Shop.

Shopping at local shops

If your perfect weekend includes shopping, you’ll find a couple of options in Stinson Beach, starting with the aforementioned Live Water Surf Shop. Sweatshirts with Live Water’s catchy No Sharks logo make great gifts, as do the beaded bracelets and other beachy accessories. Destination Stinson is the place for beach cover ups and framed photographs. Pick up a book at the Stinson Beach Bookshop or, sign up for a Marin Library card and borrow books from the Stinson Beach Public Library. You’ll find upscale gifts like handmade ceramics and elegantly jarred jams at Parkside Cafe Marketplace.

Perusing art galleries

Stinson is better suited for admiring the beauty outdoors, but the Claudia Chapline Art Gallery does have some amusing sculptures made with found objects. Over in Bolinas, the Bolinas Gallery is much more extensive, showcasing several lesser and better-known local artists. Its garden passage out back is a pleasant place to sit.

Restaurants at Stinson BeachParkside Cafe

The Parkside Cafe is really three restaurants side by side. A tiny kiosk in the middle serves coffee and baked goods and is the go-to for your morning java. To its right, the Parkside Snack Bar looks like your typical beach burger and fries vendor serving teens and kids at a standup window. The huge difference is that the burgers are made with grass-fed beef, the fish tacos come with freshly made salsa and avocados, and the home churned soft serve ice cream is all-natural.

On the left side is the Parkside Cafe restaurant, which has a cozy indoor dining room with a fireplace and an inviting outdoor area where the wooden tables are shaded by umbrellas or warmed by heat lamps. The market fish of the day, often a locally caught halibut, is plated with perfectly sauteed veggies, homemade pesto, and black roe. It’s a terrific dish. The fish and chips and the vegetarian quinoa also hit the spot. Skip the fish tacos, though, which are tastier at the Parkside Snack Bar.

Address: 43 Arenal Avenue, Bolinas, CA 94924

Breakers Cafe

The Breakers Cafe has a pleasant outdoor area and a rather long food menu with all kinds of tacos, wraps, sandwiches, and burgers. Stick with something basic and you’ll be satisfied. Since the Sandpiper Bar burned down (the building is being replaced), Breakers is currently the only bar in Stinson Beach, serving such thirst-quenchers as micheladas, margaritas, and “Adult Slurpees.”

Address: 3465 Shoreline Hwy, Stinson Beach CA 94970

Coast Cafe

This Bolinas restaurant serves every meal of the day and brunch on weekends. The huevos rancheros are a great morning choice. Since the fishermen who ply these waters keep their boats moored in Bolinas, don’t hesitate to order the Fresh Catch tacos or fish n’ chips. If you’re vegan or vegetarian, the Coast Cafe also has you covered, with a baked tofu or fresh pesto tagliatelle. The wine list is astounding.

Address: 46 Wharf Road, Bolinas, CA 94924

The Bolinas People’s Store

Bolinas grew up in the 1970s as an artists colony and hippie haven. While monied SFers buying property in Bolinas are coming in, the old hippies fortunately remain. The organic, vegetarian, and cooperatively run People’s Market grocer is emblematic of this. Every afternoon, you can buy freshly made tamales or soups at the market and enjoy them out in the courtyard.

Address: 14 Wharf Road, Bolinas, CA 94924

Eleven

This great little restaurant housed in an old house in Bolinas is only open Thursday through Sunday most months, but call ahead to be sure and to make a reservation. The dining area is split across the first floor’s separate rooms, so your table will be in a cozy little nook. The menu changes weekly, but always features a creative and tasty salad, crispy fries, and artisanal, thin-crust pizzas. Add in super service and a great selection of wines and you have a delightful dining experience.

Address: 11 Wharf Road, Bolinas, CA 94924

Grocery shopping at Stinson Beach

If you decide to cook at your cottage or rental, stop at Good Earth Natural Market on your way into town for excellent produce and meats. The quality is tiptop, but so are the prices, so you could also stop at the Safeway or Whole Foods in Mill Valley. The Stinson Beach Market has nice local cheeses and meats, as well as bread from the Parkside Bakery, but the produce there is seriously limited. You could always drive to Bolinas and pick up crisp lettuce, just-laid eggs, and other goodies at the farmstand there.

Stinson Beach hotels and rentals

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Smiley’s Saloon

Photo: Booking.com

Photo: Booking.com

Photo: Booking.com

Photo: Booking.com

We would have listed Smiley’s as a place for a drink, but we don’t want you to drive the dark road back to Stinson afterwards. The problem would be solved if you just stayed in Bolinas, and even at Smiley’s itself. It’s best to choose one of the six guestrooms behind Smiley’s iconic wooden two-floor building, which resembles an actual 1800s saloon. You could stay in the suite above the saloon, but if it’s a Friday or Saturday you’d need to close down the bar before crawling upstairs — as weekend revelers can be noisy.

Address: 41 Wharf Road, Bolinas, CA 94924

Sandpiper Lodge

The Sandpiper Lodge offers queen rooms and kitchenette rooms, as well as studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom cottages. Although it’s a short walk to the shore, you won’t have ocean views as you’ll be behind the sand dunes that keep the beach looking healthy and natural. The rooms are simple and refined, with white walls and, in the cottage, white wooden ceilings. The petit hotel fills up quickly, so book ahead.

Address: 1 Marine Way, Stinson Beach CA 94970

Eleven Wharf Road

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

On the upper floors of the same converted house of the Eleven restaurant are two simple but lovely rooms you can stay in. They are rented out through Airbnb in a listing for room one and another for room two.

Address: 11 Wharf Road, Bolinas, CA 94924

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Santa Barbara Breweries: an 8-Stop Walking Tour

There’s a saying in wine country: “it takes a lot of beer to make a great wine.”

Though Santa Barbara may be known the world over as one of California’s best wine regions, most visitors don’t know that the region holds another great secret: fabulous breweries. And as for the wine country saying? Well, workers at the local wineries drink beer to stay refreshed during the warm California summer. (And water, of course.)

Many of the best Santa Barbara breweries are family-owned, use local ingredients, and have state-of-the-art facilities, putting the same care into each bottle of beer as the area’s famous wineries put into each bottle of red.

The tour of Santa Barbara breweries below makes the perfect plan for one day of fabulous beer tasting — especially if you take note of the recommended brew you need to try at each location.

Santa Barbara brewery tour map

If you walk between all eight of the Santa Barbara breweries below without making any stops, you could do it in about 36 minutes and would cover roughly 1.8 miles. However, making stops is the whole point of doing this tour, so plan on a whole day if you’re visiting every brewery.

You could also break it up if you don’t think you’re up for eight breweries in one day. Walking between the first three (Night Lizard, Institution, and Third Window) will take about 10 minutes and cover half a mile, while visiting the last five (Topa Topa, Validation, Brass Bear, Figueroa, and the Brewhouse) will take about 15 minutes and cover just under a mile. The numbering below assumes you’ll start at Night Lizard and finish at The Brewhouse.

1. Night Lizard Brewing Company

Photo: Visit Santa Barbara

Map: Night LizardMust-try beer: Tiger Salamander SaisonFood offerings: Night Lizard partners with different local restaurants to create rotating menus

This eco-friendly, family-operated brewery uses its eclectic beers to bring attention to conservation efforts. Each beer bottle features a picture of a different endangered species from the central California coast, such as the song sparrow, tiger salamander, and eponymous night lizard. The Nasser family focuses on creating quality beers with local ingredients and is constantly experimenting with new flavors to introduce new brews into their rotation. And thanks to rotating partnerships with local restaurants, they have some of the most varied food among Santa Barbara breweries, too.

2. Institution Ale Co.

Photo: Darryl Brooks/Shutterstock

On State Street, Santa Barbara’s main thoroughfare, Institution Ale Co. is a local, well, an institution. The friendly atmosphere, exquisite craft beers, and highly regarded pizza menu attract locals and visitors alike. Visitors can post up at the bar to try multiple beers or grab a pint and head to the area of old-school arcade games in the back. Heads-up if you come on NFL or MLB game days: this place gets quite busy with California sports team fans.

Map: Institution Ale Co.Must-try beer: Restraint maple brown aleFood offerings: Pizzas, salads, and the always-popular warm pretzel3. Third Window Brewing

Photo: Visit Santa Barbara/Blake Bronstad

Map: Third WindowMust-try beer: Grey GhostFood offerings: Menus vary daily, covering burgers, pizzas, shawarma, and a whole range of other offerings.

This award-winning company was founded by Kris Parker, whose parents run Fess Parker Winery and whose grandfather was famed Hollywood actor Fess Parker himself. At Third Window Brewing, beers are inspired mostly by Belgian traditions, but infused with local ingredients ranging from citrus products to cocoa nibs derived from Twenty-Four Blackbirds Chocolates, which makes some of the best chocolate in Santa Barbara. The taproom is in a restored barn, and the outdoor, pet-friendly patio is one of the best hangout spots in town.

4. Topa Topa

Photo: Visit Santa Barbara/Blake Bronstad

Map: Topa TopaMust-try beer: Chief Peak IPAFood offerings: Burgers, sandwiches, and tacos from The Nook (next door)

Beer aficionados looking for unusual, innovative flavors will find their happy place at Topa Topa. Its location in Santa Barbara is in the lively and vibrant Funk Zone, the lively and modern part of town filled with galleries, cool bars and restaurants, and wine-tasting rooms. In fact, Topa Topa shares a space with Fox Wine next door, allowing guests to sample the best Santa Barbara breweries and wines in one stop.

5. Validation AleMap: Validation Ale Must-try beer: Whichever was last validatedFood offerings: Small but solid menu heavy on sharable dishes

Opened in 2022, this brand new Santa Barbara brewery invites its guests to become part of their process in a very special way; visitors can submit their own recipes, which get brewed and voted on to see which will become “validated” (i.e., part of the bar’s official menu).

Validation Ale is a great hang-out spot for sports fans who also want to enjoy the latest and greatest in craft beers, as the brewery frequently shows live games on multiple TVs that attract plenty of fans.

6. Brass Bear Brewing

Photo: Visit Santa Barbara/Brass Bear Brewing//Blake Bronstad

Map: Brass BearMust-try beer: Blood Orange AleFood offerings: Light bites: charcuterie boards, sandwiches, and grilled skewers

The husband-and-wife team behind Brass Bear wants its customers to know that Santa Barbara’s breweries can be fun spots for the whole family, at least at times. On Wednesday evenings and Sundays, Brass Bear spot offers a supervised area for kids with toys and activities to ensure children have a great time while their parents try some of the best beers in town.

Also in the town’s Funk Zone, Brass Bear offers a wide range of menu items made from locally sourced ingredients on its large patio and backyard area. Drinkers who like lighter beers will appreciate the options usually on tap, including a sour, a blonde, and at least one or two lagers. It’s not all about IPAs here.

7. Figueroa Mountain Brewing

Photo: Visit Santa Barbara/Jesse Natale

Map: Figueroa MountainMust-try beer: Mosaic Pale Ale (it won the World Beer Cup, after all)Food offerings: None

Figueroa Mountain Brewing, often just called Fig Mountain, is the place to be for a fun night out in a lively atmosphere. With local bands performing live several nights a week, plus events like game nights and trivia nights, Figueroa guarantees a good time for friends and large groups.

A father-and-son team runs the brewery, which was awarded the “Best American Pale Ale” prize at the 2022 World Beer Cup – an event that does exist and, yes, is as fantastic as it sounds.

8. The BrewhouseMap: The BrewhouseMust-try beer: Saint Barb’s TripelFood offerings: On-site restaurant

This classic American bistro and brewery is a local favorite in Santa Barbara, partly thanks to its extreme dog-friendliness – it even has a separate menu for dogs. The owners, Pete and Casey, take pride in crafting The Brewhouse’s beers on site, using two big copper vessels to complete the process. Check out the extensive list of stouts, pale ales, IPAs, and pilsners, though any of the other 20-plus beers are equally good choices.

The Brewhouse is also one of the few Santa Barbara breweries with a full-service restaurant, offering a variety of appetizers and main dishes covering meat, seafood, and pasta dishes, as well as sandwiches and burgers.

Guided tours of Santa Barbara breweries

Photo: Visit Santa Barbara/Cal Coast Adventures

Many of the best Santa Barbara breweries are in central areas of Santa Barbara, around State Street or the Funk Zone. Walking between them is easily doable and recommended as, obviously, you’ll want to avoid driving around town (unless you have a designated driver).

However, for those who want to explore more of the city and check out different breweries in the process, Cal Coast Adventures offers a Bike and Beverage Tour. Guests can bike around town and explore different corners of the city while sampling some of the best wine and beer Santa Barbara has to offer.

Guests who want to try some of the best Santa Barbara breweries and learn a bit about the town’s history in the process should consider the Santa Barbara Craft Brewery & History Crawl from Totally Cali Tours.

Taxis and rideshares are also readily available in town, so don’t stress if you did drive and it turns out the beers you tasted were a little stronger than expected. Just leave your car parked, take a Lyft back to your hotel, and swing back for your car in the morning. You can use it as an excuse to try some of Santa Barbara’s best breakfast restaurants and coffee shops while you’re at it.

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Ultimate LGBTQ+ Guide To San Antonio

Packed with colorful and festive events, a blend of cultures that’s reflected in an array of delicious food, and unique and historical sites, gay San Antonio is also one of the queerest cities in Texas.

“When you have a melting pot like San Antonio, you are surrounded by different cultures, backgrounds, and a multitude of diversity within our LGBTQ+ community,” shares the award-winning drag queen Kristi Waters, who recently served as grand marshal for the city’s new river Pride parade. “Travelers will not only feel a warm welcome but the charm and friendliness that we genuinely present. We are about love, community, and having a great time,” Waters continues.

With one of the largest populations of LGBTQ+ parents in the US, the city has a prospering LGBTQ+ community, over a dozen nightlife options, great food, and an exciting drag scene.

A brief history of the LGBTQ+ scene in San Antonio

Photo: Visit San Antonio/Luther’s

According to The University of Texas at San Antonio Libraries, drag culture in the Alamo City goes back to the early 1900s.

In the 1930s, Texas female impersonator Ray Bourbon’s Hotcha Hinton was a guest performer at San Antonio cabarets and eventually headlined her own shows. Drag queen performances emerged all over the US because of prohibition, and this surge was known as the “pansy craze.” The UTSA Libraries also noted that while the “craze” only lasted into the early 1940s for most cities, San Antonio remained captivated with drag queens and the performance scene survived — even after the war.

The following decade saw drag queens added to the iconic event lineup — more about that later. And while there were establishments in the city where the queer community could spend their nights, potential raids and ongoing police harassment caused people to flee to the outskirts of town.

It wasn’t until after Stonewall and the start of the liberation movement that San Antonio welcomed a game-changing queer-owned nightclub. The San Antonio Country opened in 1973 thanks to Arthur “Hap” Veltman, and it would help lead the way to the city’s first Pride parade in 1976. The club’s spirit moved to a new home in 1981 at the historical Bonham Exchange building, which remains open today for all members and allies of the community.

The best areas for LGBTQ+ travelers

Although there are some specific LGBTQ+ districts, throughout the city, non-discrimination laws are in place to make sure that visitors have a safe stay while in town.

“Since 2018, the city has received a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Municipal Equality Index, which rates cities based on LGBTQ+ inclusivity,” shares Luke Blankenship, development and communications manager for the Pride Center San Antonio.

The Strip SA

Photo: Visit San Antonio

Just north of downtown San Antonio, at the intersection of North Main Avenue and Evergreen Street, you’ll find a rainbow crosswalk to indicate that you’ve made it to The Strip SA — the gay district of the city.

While the colorful crosswalk is only a few years old, the area has been a queer hub for decades with nightclub establishments such as Heat and Pegasus, and the LGBTQ+-friendly Luther’s Cafe that has been serving up burgers since 1949 and today hosts weekly interactive drag brunches.

A couple of other bars make up the heart of the gay Strip, but visitors can also find a hair salon, the LGBTQ+ t-shirt store Ouch Apparel (which also sells queer designer underwear, swimwear, and other goodies), the leather apparel and BDSM accessories shop Hardcore Leather Co., and Pup’s Pizza, which is open late and offers pizza-by-the-slice.

They also hold several events throughout The Strip, such as an annual Halloween block party and the Pride “Bigger Than” Texas festival, and the nighttime parade.

Pearl District and Museum Reach

Photo: Visit San Antonio

Once home to Texas’ largest brewery and named after it, the Pearl district has grown into a vibrant area for locals and visitors alike. It is home to an array of boutique shops, green spaces, restaurants, and bars. Among the great dining options, the city’s first food hall, Bottling Department, is here, which offers chef-driven local and international eats, a wine and beer bar, and courtyard seating. The Pearl also houses a campus of The Culinary Institute of America, and you can take a cooking class or eat at the restaurant.

There’s always something going on at the Pearl, but on Saturday mornings you can find its very popular open-air farmer’s market for fresh honey, bakery items, dairy products, and more.

And if you want to make a weekend of your time at the Pearl, Hotel Emma is a 146-room riverfront hotel that was originally Pearl’s Brewhouse. You can see remnants of the brewery throughout the establishment, which also has a bar, club room, restaurant, an outdoor pool, and a gorgeous two-story library filled with 3,700 books.

The Pearl is part of the north end of the Museum Reach district of the River Walk. With three miles of pedestrian pathways, you’ll find water features, and public artwork along the walkways. The chic LGBTQ+-friendly rooftop bar Paramour is also a popular spot to hang out, especially in the summer months.

Downtown and River Walk

Photo: Visit San Antonio

Home to the iconic Alamo, the center of the River Walk, the oldest LGBTQ+ nightclub in town, and a 750-foot-tall observation tower, Downtown San Antonio is the perfect spot to serve as your base.

The Alamo is currently undergoing a transformation to preserve the historic site and enhance the experience for its visitors by adding a new museum and visitor center. Construction will be completed by 2025, and the museum will house the Alamo collection of British rock star Phil Collins, including hundreds of documents, artifacts, weapons, and more.

Photo: Visit San Antonio

For a fun shopping experience downtown, head to the Historic Market Square. You’ll find three historic blocks of shops and restaurants to peruse and the largest Mexican market in the United States.

While there, Luke Blankenship from the Pride Center also highly recommends checking out Hopscotch, which is an interactive art exhibit that is LGBTQ+ owned and operated. “And if you’re looking for a show, the Tobin Center for Performing Arts is also a pillar of our community and is incredibly LGBTQ+-friendly,” he adds.

A great dining option along the water is Boudro’s, a River Walk staple, offering table-side guacamole, prickly pear margaritas, and a range of tasty seafood and bistro eats. And back at the Historic Market Square, Mi Tierra serves superb Mexican food and bakery items in a festive space. And for an upscale dinner, Landrace from James Beard Award finalist Steve McHugh spotlights local Texas ingredients in an open-fire kitchen.

The best gay bars in San Antonio

Photo: Visit San Antonio

There are over a dozen queer bar and club options, and several LGBTQ+-friendly bars that are popular for the community to drink, dance, and enjoy local drag queen shows. From Downtown to the north of The Strip, here are seven venues to not miss while in town.

The Bonham Exchange Nightclub

The iconic Bonham Exchange is a three-story dance club in a historic 19th-century building Downtown. The oldest LGBTQ+ nightclub, it’s one of San Antonio’s hot spots for the community and its allies.

An 18 and up club, you’ll find all kinds of revelers here among the 10-bar-complex. Within the multiple spaces, you’ll expect DJs spinning hits, remixes, and dance classics, and a laid-back patio in the backyard with food and games. Over the years, Bonham has seen the likes of Tina Turner, The Bangles, Iggy Pop, Taylor Dayne, RuPaul, Manila Luzon, and San Antonio’s own Drag Race alum, Gorgeous.

Address: 411 Bonham Street

Paramour at the Phipps

Renowned for its rooftop space, Paramour is an LGBTQ+-friendly bar along the River Walk in the city’s Museum District. Home to two drag brunch shows every Sunday, drag burlesque, and male revue performances, Paramour is also the base of Kristi Waters, named the Best Drag Queen in San Antonio by San Antonio Current in 2020.

Address: 102 9th Street, Floor 4

Pegasus

Open seven days a week year-round from 2:00 PM to 2:00 AM, Pegasus is the oldest LGBTQ+ bar in The Strip. There’s a main bar, karaoke area, an outdoor patio (where they hold drag shows), and a music video room.

Address: 1402 N Main Avenue

Knockout

The gym sports bar trend hit San Antonio a few years ago, and Knockout opened in 2016 in The Strip’s main area. The laid-back bar has 15 flatscreen televisions, pool tables, and dart boards. When it gets busy, a second bar opens in the backroom. While all the bars on The Strip have different drink specials, you’ll definitely find the best here throughout the night.

Address: 1420 N Main Avenue

Sparky’s Pub

Right next door to Knockout is Sparky’s Pub, a spacious English-style bar with a dance floor, pool tables, a front and back patio, and a couple of full-service bars. Sparky’s hosts a trivia night on Tuesdays, and there’s also a wine bar and cafe here for light snacks.

Address: 1416 N Main Avenue

Heat Nightclub

The Strip’s main LGBTQ+ nightclub for the past 21 years, Heat is open Friday to Sunday to everyone 18 and up. A multi-space club, you can dance the night away with performing dancers and drag queens as DJs spin with an enchanting light show. As an after-hours spot, it doesn’t fill until midnight and the party can go on until 4:00 AM.

Address: 1500 N Main Avenue

SA Country Saloon

If you need your cowboy fix, head northwest of The Strip to the SA Country Saloon. Located right across from the Alamo Candy Company, this laid-back gay country bar has a big and fun dance floor. Open every day, there are also karaoke, drag shows, dance lessons, and adult bingo nights.

Address: 1134 W Hildebrand Ave

The best LGBTQ+ events in San Antonio

Photo: Visit San Antonio

San Antonio Q Fest

For its ninth edition, San Antonio Q Fest will take place in the Public Theatre of San Antonio in October. As an international LGBTQ+ film festival, it has brought awareness to the greater San Antonio region by showcasing film pieces created for, by, or about the LGBTQ+ community.

When: October (dates are subject to change annually)

Fiesta San Antonio and Cornyation

The city’s signature event since 1891, Fiesta started as a single parade event to honor the memory of the Battle of the Alamo. It’s now an 11-day celebration that also commemorates San Antonio’s diverse cultures and heritage with over 100 events. From parades, concerts, delicious food, and block parties, the Battle of Flowers and Fiesta Flambeau parades are among the biggest events held during the festivities.

When: April

Bud Light Pride River Parade and Celebration

Photo: Visit San Antonio

Kicking off San Antonio Pride Week in 2022, Visit San Antonio put on the city’s first Pride parade and festival on the famous River Walk.

Held to promote the city’s inclusion and support of the LGBTQ+ community, the all-day celebration kicked off at the La Villita’s outdoor performance theatre with live on-stage entertainment from DJs, dancers, and the city’s best drag queens. The parade saw over 17 barges float by and join the party, after which they held an encore show in the Museum Reach.

When: June

Pride “Bigger Than” Texas Parade and Festival

They held the first Pride march in San Antonio in 1976 with 35 participants, and now it’s a week of events that brings thousands together to celebrate. There’s a Pride night at the zoo, LGBTQ+ sports events, and other celebrations that lead up to the Pride “Bigger Than” Texas Parade and Festival.

The all-day festival takes place in Crockett Park, just south of The Strip, and a high-heel race is held just before the nighttime parade kicks off at 9:00 PM. The parade then marches down a mile route along Main Ave, and there’s a block party hosted by The Strip with drag performances and music until 4:00 AM.

When: June

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11 Dublin Airbnbs Near the City’s Coolest Attractions

Teeming with historical attractions, gorgeous green spaces, and epic pubs, Dublin is a charismatic city you’ll not forget in a hurry – subject to how many pints of Guinness you knock back. The spirited Irish capital draws backpackers, couples, and families in equal measure. Whether you’re hankering after a weekender or planning a pitstop on a wider Emerald Isle adventure, you need to know where to stay in Dublin. Check out our guide to Airbnb Dublin, Ireland, scene in and around the city center.

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We hope you love the Airbnb Dublin vacation rentals we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

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Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

This meticulously renovated basement apartment Airbnb in Dublin’s city center is right in the core of the historic quarter. The bed is partitioned from the main living zone where you can fling open the window and let fresh air and natural light flood the space. When the sun shines, make yourself at home on the hidden patio. A short stroll from Dublin Castle and St Patrick’s Cathedral, St. Stephen’s Green offers a quieter environment in comparison to neighboring Temple Bar.

Two guests, one bedroom (studio)
Price: $205 per night

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Luxury George’s St house with four ensuites and rooftop

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Kick back in this voguish Dublin Airbnb apartment steps away from Grafton Street, Trinity College, and St. Stephen’s Green. Each of the four double bedrooms comes with its own fireplace and bathroom. Sure to delight those who need solitude in the morning, one even has its own kitchenette. Climb up onto the roof terrace with a mug of joe and plot out your day in Dublin with a picturesque backdrop.

Nine guests, four bedrooms
Price: $1,245 per night
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Boutique townhouse in the heart of Dublin

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

This Airbnb in the Dublin city center apartment for large groups occupies a former cobbler’s workshop. Although carefully refurbished to cater to modern travelers, the lounge decor remains faithful to the heritage of the building with exposed stonework and industrial-chic touches. At full capacity, this family-friendly vacation property on the corner of the green can accommodate fifteen guests. The walled backyard and nursery with a crib make it a top contender for those with younger kids.

Fifteen guests, six bedrooms
Price: $1,995 per night

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Your historical stay in the heart of Dublin

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Look no further for the most unique Airbnb in Dublin for couples and small groups. This self-catered apartment is located inside a renovated old church in the peaceful Portobello neighborhood. High ceilings and original brickwork set the tone for the unit and you’ll find all the mod-cons you could possibly need in the compact kitchen. Sleeping areas consist of one double bedroom and a pull-out in the lounge.

Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $215 per night

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Dublin Airbnb rentals in Temple BarPenthouse in the heart of Dublin City Temple Bar

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Slap-bang in the middle of the nightlife hub, this penthouse Airbnb in the heart of the Dublin, Ireland, city center is a perfect pick for those looking to sample the best of Irish nightlife. The squeaky clean minimalist space consists of two double bedrooms each with its own bathroom, a full kitchen, and an airy lounge that opens out onto a spacious patio.

Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $285 per night

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Chic riverside one-bedroom condo in Temple Bar

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Kitted out with funky pieces of art, scarlet-hued settees, and a well-stocked bookshop, this Temple Bar Dublin Airbnb is an oasis from the bustle down below. The compact kitchen contains all you need to rustle together a meal before a night in the local pubs while views of the River Liffey add charm.

Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $250 per night

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Unforgettable Dublin Docklands AirbnbsThe Curve, Millennium Tower, Dublin 4

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Sited in the city’s poshest neighborhood, this snazzy waterside condo Airbnb in Dublin overlooks Grand Canal Dock. The curvaceous space is colorfully appointed and includes a glitzy hot tub in the master bathroom. Comprising two double rooms and a single, the apartment is equally well-suited to families and small groups. Panoramic windows overlook the harbor while a roomy balcony is ideal for an evening natter over a glass of whiskey.

Five guests, three bedrooms
Price: $610 per night

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Houseboat, Grand Canal, Dublin – the Sunny Barger

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

All aboard the best Dublin Airbnb houseboat! Moored in the Charlotte Key Docks complex at Grand Canal, the vacation home is within walking distance of the city center. Each of the three cabins contains a double bed. The galley is rigged with a fully-functional kitchen, plump leather couches, a wood burner, and the captain’s helm – awesome for a selfie. On a sunny afternoon, you can sit out on the deck and soak up the nautical atmosphere.

Four guests, three bedrooms
Price: $420 per night

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Relaxing Airbnbs in Monkstown, Dublin BayDazzling sea view villa on Dublin Bay

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Flee the city for a night and savor R&R with a view of the Irish Sea from this Mediterranean-style Airbnb in Monkstown, Dublin. A wide terrace on the upper story grants dreamy panoramas across the water from this village-like suburb. Interiors are dressed with period furnishings and upholstery but topped off with state-of-the-art appliances. The sauna and games room are two key highlights of this family-friendly home. The center of Dublin is a 25-minute drive away or 30 minutes via the DART commuter line.

Thirteen guests, six bedrooms
Price: $1,525 per night

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Seaside hideaway, Dún Laoghaire

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Nestled in between Monkstown and Dún Laoghaire, this two-story end terrace is the seaside abode of a local family. This is reflected in the style of the rental – you’ll find all your creature comforts and appreciate the homely ambiance. French sliders reveal a secluded back patio with seating and a hammock. All in all, this is the perfect family-friendly Airbnb in Monkstown.

Five guests, two bedrooms
Price: $355 per night

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Best Airbnbs in Dublin, MalahideGuestReady – stunning two-bedroom flat with terrace and sea view

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Located a 20-minute drive (30 via DART), Malahide is a charming seaside resort with pretty beaches and a castle. It’s suitable for guests who want to fuse city attractions by day with sleepier – yet devastatingly scenic – digs. This modern but homey Airbnb family home comes with two bedrooms and a terrace surrounded by greenery. Situated conveniently in Malahide Marina, it’s a top choice for sunset lovers. [mn-post-enders]

Three guests, two bedrooms
Price: $240 per night

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The Method To Extract the World’s Most Luxurious Caviar Might Surprise You

Caviar is a luxury food that can be priced as high as $12,000 per pound. You might think that a delicacy that people make this much of a fuss over has some specialized method to acquire. But that would be wrong. Turns out the process behind extracting caviar from a sturgeon isn’t elegant at all.

@foodwtf This is how #caviar is extracted from a #beluga fish @Foody Club #foodtiktok #be ♬ original sound – Foodwtf

How is caviar made?

First things first: Caviar can only come from sturgeon, and most frequently come from beluga, sterlet, kaluga, osestra, or American shite sturgeon. All caviar is technically roe, but not all roe is caviar.

In a video posted to TikTok, workers tasked with extracting sturgeon eggs reveal exactly how the process works: The fish is first rinsed before it is split open to reveal an entire cavity filled with greenish-brown roe. A sturgeon can carry up to 700,000 of these eggs. The workers lift the eggs out the fish, revealing the purple bowels inside. The eggs come out in log shape, sticking tightly together.

Once the eggs are removed, they’re piled into a dish and rinsed gently with water. Next, the worker massages them through the sifter in handfuls in order to separate the eggs from the egg sack. The eggs are rinsed again in even more water and then packed directly into tins.

One aspect of the process that isn’t shown in this video is that the eggs are salted – a crucial step that transforms the eggs from sturgeon roe to caviar.

What does caviar taste like?

Photo: BT Image/Shutterstock

Beluga caviar doesn’t taste too, well, fishy. In other words, it’s not pungent, stinky, or tangy. Caviar has a mild salty flavor that can be smooth, creamy, and buttery. The eggs are a deep black or dark green hue. Caviar should be served cold and you eat it by placing a little scoop on your hand or on a small plastic or mother-of-pearl spoon (metal or wood both can impart flavor). Each bite should be pushed up between the roof of your mouth and your tongue rather than chewed. Depending on where you’re eating it, caviar is often accompanied by a shot of vodka or a glass of Champagne.

Why is caviar so expensive?

The type of sturgeon that the caviar comes from generally sets the price. Types of sturgeon that can be farmed like osestra and white sturgeon are typically more affordable. The French brand Sturia sells 30-gram tins of caviar from sustainably farmed sturgeon starting at about $55. Then there’s beluga caviar, which can only be caught in the wild. Sturia and other online retailers like Petrossian sell tins of beluga caviar for between $250 and $300 for 30 grams.

Can you get caviar without killing the fish?

Photo: Julie Mayfeng/Shutterstock

Surprisingly, yes. It’s possible to stun a fish, create a small incision, extract the roe or the ovaries, and then stitch the fish back up, allowing it to continue producing eggs. However, in most cases the fish is killed before the extraction takes place, which makes it easier to extract as much roe as possible.

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